Don't Smile...You're on Candid Camera

nightmare, RN · Mar 30, 2008

Isn't this a privacy violation? I for one would be most uncomfortable at someone pointing a camera or video at me.If they take a pic of a consenting resident with a non-consenting resident in the background is that what you call a HIPAA violation? "big brother" certainly is here!

star.crush · Mar 30, 2008

yeah that seems like that would be a violation.

catlynLPN · Mar 31, 2008

They are getting ready to install cameras in my facility, in the residences where the people live.

There will be a camera in the living room and one in the kitchen, but not one in the room where the nurses station is in each residence.

Apparently they have to get consents signed from families, and I assume also, all staff, so that we can't say that we were video taped without our knowledge.

So they're going to do it, and we have to agree, I assume if we don't sign and consent, staff would be terminated.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 31, 2008

Why do surveyers need to take pictures of the staff?

gizelda196 · Mar 31, 2008

YIKES!!! I just got a letter from the DPH outlining the use of CAMERAS during survey. The staff is NOT allowed to refuse to have their picture taken. Now just suppose I am in the witness protection program. I think having my picture taken would put me at great personal risk.
The residents or their family members must sign a consent for the pictures and they are able to refuse.
There must be a Registered Nurse or an LPN present if the surveyor will be taking pictures of 'sensitive areas'.
What are they going to think of next?

I am not liking this! Where is the union in all this? Is this LTC? Tell the DON she can round with DPH and have her pic done! and refuse! You have rights to!. This whole DPH survey and JCHO thing is such a JOKE! They all have more rules and reg that make our jobs so much more difficult and now we have no right to refuse pics? Geez. I hope they try this at our hospital!

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 31, 2008

The union has nothing to do with it....DPH out rules everyone. It is just one of the reasons why so many people don't want to work in LTC...more regulations, especially in THIS state than the nuclear power plants!

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2008

I am not liking this! Where is the union in all this? Is this LTC? Tell the DON she can round with DPH and have her pic done! and refuse! You have rights to!. This whole DPH survey and JCHO thing is such a JOKE! They all have more rules and reg that make our jobs so much more difficult and now we have no right to refuse pics? Geez. I hope they try this at our hospital!

LOL, Capecod, are you not a DON? What excactly will they be taking pics of and what will they get out of it? Why would staff need to be in the pic?

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 31, 2008

I think they will be trying to 'catch' staff doing something wrong. I don't trust anyone...even I can use PhotoShop and put a picture of someone else's face on someone else's body.

During our past survey we were all given thermometers so when the surveyors checked the food temp we were right there checking, too. I guess I'll be following them around with my digital camera.

I did come up with something but probably neither the DPH or corporate would go for it....you know the disposable cameras everyone uses at their weddings? I am going to hand them out to all the residents and staff during survey and we will take pictures of of THEM...see how they like it!

gizelda196 · Mar 31, 2008

I think they will be trying to 'catch' staff doing something wrong. I don't trust anyone...even I can use PhotoShop and put a picture of someone else's face on someone else's body.
During our past survey we were all given thermometers so when the surveyors checked the food temp we were right there checking, too. I guess I'll be following them around with my digital camera.
I did come up with something but probably neither the DPH or corporate would go for it....you know the disposable cameras everyone uses at their weddings? I am going to hand them out to all the residents and staff during survey and we will take pictures of of THEM...see how they like it!

LOL!!!

Will you report that back to us?

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Apr 7, 2008

The latest update- The Massachusetts Extended Care Federation apparently has been working on this with the DPH and is appalled that the DPH sent out a letter BEFORE the issue was resolved. The cameras are on hold until the attorneys can sort the whole mess out. I knew there was a reason I liked the MECF!